Of noroton



E. E. ASHLEY, JR

ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet l May 7, 1929.

Original Filed Jan. 14, 1924 INVENToR.

a ATTORNEY.

l 1l /l III E. E. ASHLEY, JR

ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 7, 1929.

Original Filed Jan. 14, 1924 NVENTOR.

May 7, 1929. E' E' ^SHLEY1 J Re. 17,290

ELECTRCAL WIRING SYSTEM Original Filed Jan. 14, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet :5

l A BY Mam L ATTORNEY.

Reissued May 7, 1929.

UNITED STATES- PATENT .OFFICE.

EDWARD E. ASHLEY, JR., OF NOROTON, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO WALKER BROTHERS,V 0F PHILADELPHIA., PENNSYLVANIA, A. CORPORATION 0F PENNSYL VANIA.

ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM.

Original No. 1,536,748, dated May 5, 1925, Serial N'o. 686,141, led January 14, 1924, and in Canada August 18, 1925. Application for reissue led September 11, 1928. Serial No. 305,255.

My invention'relatesto a system of electricalwiring for oiiice orothcr buildings, hotels,

factories, apartment houses, residences, etc., and relates more particularly to a system of concealed wiring disposed in conduits located in the walls or partitidns of the buildings, and more particularly in the floors'.

\ In accordance with my invention, the main or supply circuit conductors of lighting, pow

er, telephone, 'signaling or other circuits are disposed in one or more conduits, While the branch or consumption circuit conductors, ex-

tending to Ythepoints of connection of the electric lights, p0wer devices, telephone in-u struments, signals, etc., are disposed in aconduit or conduits, the main or supply and branch or consumption circuit conduits being disposed either inthe same plane in a Wall or iioor, or in different planes, and preferably extend transversely to each other at right angles or anyv other convenient or suitable angle, the conduit orV conduits ofthe main or supply and consumption or branch circuits meeting in a Wall or 'loor box structure in different Iplanes or .at diii'erent levels', where connections are effected between the main or supply circuit conductors and the branch or consumption circuit conductors.

Further in accordance with my invention,

I provide Wall nr floor box structure, which,

if desired, mav bc made in sections, providing in different planes or at different levels passages or channels extendlng transversely to each other with suitable opening or openings between the different sections or levels to permit connection of main and branch c1rcu1t i conductors to each other Within the box structure, the conduits ofthe main and. branch circuits communicating .With the aforesaid pas.- sages'or channels. My invention resides in the system and apparatus of the character hereinafter described and claimed. Y y For an illustration of one'of-various forms my invention may-take, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

vwith applied outletV Fig. 4 is a top plan View, on smaller scale, of the structure shown 1n Flgs. land 2, with the cover removed.v

is a top planvievv Aof the structure shown in Fig. 4 with the parts surmounting the upper box section removed.

Fig. 6 is a top plan View of the lower box section. f

Fig. 7 is a top plan vicwof the member surmounting the upper box section.

.y Fig. 8 is a bottom planview of the member shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9A is a bottom plan View of the 'cover-Y holding ring which surmounts the member shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevatiomof the'floor box in position in a recess in-a stratum of the floor. l Fig. l1 is a fragmentary plan view'of a syste-m embodying my invention. Y

Referring to the drawings, the floor box is illustrated as made of superposedsections and comprises the lower metallic section 1, preferably rectangular, sui-mounted by the upper or second metallic section2, preferably rectangular. The section l, shown in plan in Fig. 6, is open at its top and comprises the side Walls 3, bottom 4, and the paralleltransversely'extending partition Walls 5 forming Within the lower section or box 1 theparallcl transversely extending passages or'channels 6, 7 and 8.

In the example illustrated,there .are providedl three passagesorchanncls 6, though it `will be` understood that a greater or lesser number may be employed, as occasion may require.

Communicating with the passage 6 is the y metal or other conduit or pipe l9, suitably se` cured to the side Walls 3, as by the n ut 10- threaded onthe conduit 9 on the exterior of the box section 1, and the conduit'bushing 11 threaded upon the conduit on the inside ofthe i box section 1. Similarly, the conduits 12 and 13 communicate, respectively, With thepas-V i 4 sages or channels 7 and 8, and aresimilarly secured to the walls 3 of the box section 1.

The upper box or box section 2 hasthe side Walls 14' and bottom 15, -the latter resting upon the upper edge of the box section 1', the

downwardly depending iiange 16 on the sec` tion 2 embracing or receiving the upperend of the box section 1. The partition Walls 17 ex-V tend transversely ofthe box section 2, vdivid ing it into the three channels or passages 1 8, 19 and 20, the walls 17 and the passagesA 18,-

19 andl 20 extending preferably transversely of the partitions 5 and passages 6, 7 and 8 of the lower box section 1, though it will be understood that if suitable 'or desirable, the passages and partitions of the upper box section may extend parallel with those of the' lower box section.

In the bottom 15 of the upper box section there is provided the opening 21, vin the passage 18, thereby affording communication At'opposite ends of each of the passagesv 18, 19 and l20 of the upper box section 2, whichis open at its top, are provided the side inwardly extending ribs or' flanges 24 i and the upstanding bottom flanges or ribs 25, spaced from which' are the similar ribs or flanges 26 and 27.

Surmounting the upper the member 28, having along two of its opposite sides the downwardly depending flanges 29 embracing the upper end ofthe box 2.

Adjacent its ends the member 28'is provided with elongated recesses or channels 30 adjacent the ribs 31, which are disposed substantially in the plane of the lribs 24 and 25 on the box section 2. The channels 30 are .in

Iregistry with the spaces or chambers 32 in .the box`member 2, between the ribs 24 and 25- o'n the one hand, and 26 and 27 on the other hand. The rectangular conduits 33, 34 and 35 extend through the opening formed by the ribs-or flanges 26, 27 and .cover member 28 into the chambers 32, and abut against the -ribs or anges'24, 25 and 31. Threaded i through the member 28 are the pointed screws 36 engaging the conduits 33, 34 and 35 and grounding the metallic box structure to them.A In the chambers 32, around the conduits 33, 34 and 35 may be applied any suitable cement for holding the conduits in place. Bolts or screws 38 lextend through-the lugs 39 upon the member 28, through the lugs 40 `on the box member 2, and thread into the lugs 41 upon the box section 1,' whereby the vmembersl, 2 and 28 are securelyheld or clamped to each other.

The member 28 has the circular opening 42, through which access is had to thethree passages or channels 18,19 and 20 of the upper box section 2. Surrounding theo ening 42 is the annular fiange'43, spaced rom Hoor.

box section 2 is which 'is .the annular flange- 44, between which is formed .the rannular channel orl trough 45, into which projects the annular flange 46 ofthe cover-holding member 47 having vthe 'circular opening 48- disposed' above the opening 42 in the member 28. The member has the annular lug 49 `and the upstanding annular fiange 50.- In the bosses 51 are threaded pins or screws 52,Whicl1 .rest

upon the bottom ofthe trough 45j'in the member v28, adjustment ofthe screws serving to level or adjust 4the member 47v with ing' the cover'against movement inl the plane of the floor.' The eircular cover disk or member 53' fits with'inthe flange 50 of the member 47 and rests upon 'its `annular lug 49,

and issecured in position -by screws 54 threaded into the lugs 55 on member 47, the ulplperisurface of the cover 53 being prefera Y In the confiait-.s 9, 12 and iamay. be' disposed the main or supply 4circuit conductors,

flush withtlie upper surface-56 ofthe and in the conduits '33,I 34 4and 35 may be 4 disposed the branch or consumption circuit conductors. Or in some one or more -of the conduits 9,' 12, 13 may be disposed consump- -tion or branch circuitconductors, and in f some one ormore of the conduitsf33,34 and y v 35 may be disposed v'main or supply circuit conductors. t

Generally, however, in the conduitsl at the higher level, suchas conduits 33,434 and 35,

circuitv conductors, and outlets therefrom 'may beefeete'd by any suitable means, as for justed to'come flush with the floorfsurface 56 by rotating' bushing 58 'upon nipple 57. Threaded into the 'bushing 58 is the closing member or'plug 59, whose upper surface is preferably .flush wit-li the oor surface 56.

As indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, the floor box, comprising members 1 and 2, may rest upon an unfinished or more o r less rough surface 60 of an unfinished door. For example, 60 may be the upper surface of a cement, concrete, tile or other floor, or substratum of, a fioor. The screws 52 or some of them are then adjusted tobring the outer faces of the lwill be disposed the branch or' consumption iio flange 50 and cover plate4 53 to a level posi- 4 conduits connected thereto, there may be filled in upon the substrat-um of the fiooiconcrete, cement or other suitable material which holding them in position.

flows around the box structure, the conduits,

and members E28 and 47,`embedding them and As indicated in Fig. 10,'in some cases the substlatum 60 of the -tloor may be cutaway to form a recess 61, upon whose bottom 62 the lloor box may rest.` In such case it may be necessary or desirable to bend `the main conduits, as 9, 12fand 13, -upwardly,- as indicated'in Fig. 10,.` to clear the normal upper surface 6() of the lower Hoor stratum.

VAs indicated in Fic. 1,1, there may be laidV out over ,a fioor or uniinished floor ot a build ing a network of main and branch conduits,

with the floor boxes disposed at their intersections. andthe outlet devices, such as 58 finished, as above described, by applyin having the closing plugs 59, are' distributed along the conduits 33, 3twand 35. at predetermined intervals, or locatedL in the positions in which it is previously known; thatV outletsmust be had. Then the loor'lnay be crete, cement orother material embedding the conduits and thetloor boxes.

By way of example merely, itmay bje ass umed that throughv the main conduits 9 e'X- tend conductors carrying current for elec triclights. The branch lighting circuit conductors will thenjbe disposed in the con duits 33. To carry the electric lighting current to any suitableplace the cover53of the appropriate lfloor box 4is'removed, thereby effecting access through the opening 48,- to 4the channel 18 of vthe box section 2. The

plug 59 ofthe appropriate outlet is removed,

andv the `branch vcircuit conductors insertedthrough the opening into the conduit 33 and fished therethrough to the .channel`18 ci the upper box section 2 of the floor box, 'where they are then connected with the supply cirf' cuit conductors in the channel 6 of the bot# .tom box section 1, the opening 21 VaHording4 access vto the supply'circu-it conductors for makingthe connections.

Similarly, through a suitable 4outlet ,communicating with theI cond-uit 34 telephone .conductors may be fished therethrough -to the channel 19 of the appropriate floor box and connections then made through the opening 22 with thcvmaintelephone conductors' in the conduit 12. Similarly, from a suitable outlet-` the conductors of an. oiiice; signal circuit, as a vbuzzer circuit, may be passed through the out-let and through the conduit 35 to thel channel 2O of `th upper box sec'-' tion of the. appropriate floor box and con-4 nections then extended throughthe opening 23 into the channel 8 ofthe lower box section 1, in which are disposed the main circuit conductors extending through the conduit 13.

lVhat I claim4 is:

1. An electrical wiring system comprising a network of main and branch circuit conduits disposed in a wall, .boxes in sa1d wall at which the'main and 4branch circuit vcenor C5011.-l

branch circuit conduits meet, each of said boxes having passages disposed in. different planes, said main andln'anch circuit conduits communicating with said passages in different planes, and-meansfor effecting within the `box communication between passages indilerent planes therein. j 3. The combination-'With -a box structure having a plurality Vof parallel channels extcndingacross thebox in each .of a plurality of different levels respectively, conduits con- 'ncctedf with said box structure and communieating, respectively, with dili'ercnt channels, and means: within saidbox structure effecting` communicationfbetween vthe chanf nels in one level 'and the channels in another level. i

4. The' combination with a box structure having a plurality of parallc'l'cha'nnels ex tending across the box -i'n each of a plurality of diii'erent levels, the channels. in one level extending transversely to the channels in an other level, conduits connected'w-ith said box structure and communicating, respectively,

with the different' channels, and means within' said box structure eiiecting comrnunica` j tion'b'etween the channels 1n one level and the channels 1n another level.

5. The'combination'with a box Structure having aplurality of channels in each of. a pluralityofdifferent levels, the channels in i one level. extending transversely to the channels in another level, conduits connecting ,with said box at diiferent levels and communicating with said channels and means Within said box structure effecting communica-` tion' between the channels'm one level and theV channels in another level.

(i Conduit-connecting4 box struct-ure com-- prising superposedbox sections each having a channel, the channelsin the different seci tions extending transverselyto each other,

said channels in the different sections at their intersection communicating with each other.

7, Conduit-connecting box structure comprising superposed box sections each having a plurality of channels disposed side by side,

the channels in one of said sections extending `transversely to the channels in another of said sections, each channel of one section comniunicafting with a channel of the other section attheir intersection.

.8. Conduit-connecting Vbox structure comprising superposed box sections each having a'channel, the channels in the different sections extending transversely to each other, said channels inthe different sections at their intersection communicating With each other, and a pair of conduit sections connecting with opposite ends of each channel and communicatin with' each other through. said Channel.

9. enduit-connecting box structure comprising superposed box sections each having a plurality of channels disposed side by side,

-thc channels in one of said sections extending transversely to the channels in 'another of' said sections, each channel of one section communicating With a channel, of the other section at their intersection, and a pair of conduit sections connecting with oppositeA ends of' each channel and com municating with each other through said channel. i' y 10. .Conduit-connecting box structure'comprising a box section open at its top and hav- -the channel in said first section, said bottom of said second `section havlng an aperture effecting communication between said channelsin the different sections at theirintersection, and a pair of conduit sections connecting with opposite ends of each channel and communicating with each otlier'through said channel. l

12..' Conduit-,connectlng box structure com-v prising a box section open at its top and hav- "inga plurality of channels disposed side by "side, a second box|section having a bottom superposed upon said firstsection and `having a plurality of channels disposed side-by side, said bottom of said second section hav'- ing-'apertures effecting communication bei tween said channels in the different sections.

13. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its top and having a plurality of channels disposed side by ,"side, a second box section having a bottom superposed upon said first section: and having a plurality of channelsdisposed side. by

sideand extendingr transversely to the channels in said first section, said bottom of said second section having apertures effecting communication between said channels in the different sections attheir intersections.

14. vConduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its top and having a plurality of channelsdisposedl sideby side, a second box section having a bottom superposed upon said first section and .hav-

side, a second box sectionhaving a bottom superposed upon said first section and having a plurality of' channels disposed side by side and extending transversely to the channels in said first. section, said bottom of said second section having apertures 'effecting coinmunication4 betweenv said channels in the dif-` ferent sections at-their intersections, and a pair ot' conduit sections connecting with opposite ends of each channel and communieating with each other through said channel. 16. Conduit-connecting boxstrncture coniprising a box' section open at its top and-having a plurality of channels disposed side by side, a second box section 'open at lits top and having a bottom superposed upon said first section and having a plurality of' channels disposed side by side, said bottom of said second-sectlon having. apertures effecting communication between sald channels v1n the different sections, and cover structure for said second box section having an opening affording access to said channels of said second box y section and through said apertures in said bottom to the channels in said first box section.'

An elect-rical wiring system comprising main Vand branch circuit conduits disposedsin a Wall, a box in said-Wall atwhich said main and branch circuit conduit-s meet, said box having a pair of parallel passages disposed in each of different levels and communicating respectively with said main andl branch' circuit conduits the passages in each level 'extendingacross the box in that level', and means within said boxy eiecting division between passages in the same and different levels and having an opening for communica- -tion between .apassa-ge in one level and a passage in another level foreecting Within thebox connections between the main and branch circuit conductors.

18. An electrical Wiring system compris ing main and branch circuit conduits l`disposed in a Wall, a box in said wall at which said'main and branch circuit conduits meet,

lsaid box' having a pair of parallel vpassages disposed in each of different levels the passages in each level extending Aacross the box in that level and communicating respectivelyv with said main and branch circuit conduits means Within said box eii'ecting division between passages in the same and different levels 'and having an opening for communication between a passage in onelevel and a passage in i another levelffor effecting within the box connections between the main and branch circuit conductors, a` wall outlet' communicating with the branch circuit conduits, and the Y level ofthe passages communicating with said branch circuit conduits being disposed adjacent said Wall outlet. i `Y ,f 19. Nall box structure for-a concealed conduit electrical Wiring system comprising structure forming a pair 4of parallel passages vin each of diii'erent levels, said passages being open at their opposite ends in opposite sides, of said box structure, said passages extending across the box in their respective levels'and being adapted to communicate Wit-h conduits at their said opposite ends, and means withinV said wall box structure effecting communication between a pasasge in one level and a passage in another level. 4

20. Wall boxv structure for a concealed conduit electrical wiring system comprising structure forming a pair of parallel passages in each of different levels, said passages extending across tlie box in theirl respective levelsl and being open at their opposite ends in opposite sides of said box structure and ex tending transversely to each other and adapted to communicate with conduits at their opposite ends, and means Within said wall box structure eli'ecting communication between a passage in one level and a passage in another level.

21. Anunderiloor wiring system for a plurality of electric services ofdilierent characters, comprising a plurality of groups of conduits, each group accommodating the conA ductors of one character of electric service, the conduits of each group extending transversely of each other, and box structure at which the conduits of the several groups meet, said box structure having a plurality ot' seplarate parallel ypassages in each of diferent levels, the passages inv the different levels extending transversely of each other and extending completely through. said box in their respective levels,- conduits of the different groups connecting, respectively, with the passages in one level, and the remaining conduits of said groups connecting, respectively, with the passages in the other level, and the transversely extending passages for each group of conduits communicating with each -other within said box. v p y 22. An undertloor wiring system for a plurality of electric services oidilerentcharacters, comprising a yplurality olf substantially parallel conduits `for accommodating, `respectively, the conductors of the different characters .of service, a pliirality of boxes spaced from each other longitudinally of said conduits, means forming'a pluralityrof separate parallel passages in each box extending completely therethroughv and connecting with said conduits on opposite sides of said box,

and at each of said boxes a plurality of transyersely extending conduits for accommodating, respectively, conductors of said different ycharacters of service, means in 'eachv ofsaid boxes forming independent transverse parallel passages extending completely through'said box and disposed Vin a level different roinsaid irst named passages and. connecting, respectively, with said transversely extendingconduits, and means, in each of said boxes providing communication between those passages in dilerent levels vwhich are associated with-tlie conduits for one of'said characters 'of service.

23. vIn an underfloor Wiring system, box structure having a plurality of parallel channels in each of a plurality `of dili'erent levels, said channels in the diderent'levels extending transversely to each other and coinpletely through said box in their respective levels, conduits connected with said box structure and'communicating, respectively, with the different channels in the different levels, a channel in `one level communicating with a channel in the other level, and a single opening in said box structure through which is afforded `access to all lthe channels in the Y highest level. i y v y 24. A connecting box comprising a pair ofV superposed box members, partition walls in each member forming passages extending transversely through the member to openings in the side Walls of the member, a cover meinber mounted on the top of the upper box Y member, this cover closing the tops of the passages in tlie'upper box member, the tops of the passages in the lower member being closed by the bottom of upper member, and a removable portion forming part-ot the cover and serving as a closure through which access may be had to the passages in the upper member, the bottom of said upper member having openings through which access may be had to the passages in the lower box member.

25. A connecting box comprising a pair i710 of superposed box members, partition walls in both members forming passages extending transversely through the members to openings in the side Walls of the members, and a cover member mounted o n top of the upper member and provided with a l removable cover, the member and cover closing the tops of the passages in the upper member, the tops. of the passages in the lowerV member being vclosed by the bottom of the upper member, and the bottom of the upper member having openings by which access may be had between the passages in the upper and lower members.

V26.4 A connecting box structure comprisingr a lower box member having partition walls forming transverse passages, openings inthe walls of the box through which access is had to these passages, the passages being open at the top, a second box member super- 'posed on the first and having a bottom clos- 130 ing the tops of the passages, partitionwalls i' in the second box member ldefining open toppassages in the said member, openings in the wall of the member communicating with the passages, vand a cover structure mounted on top of the second box member and closing the tops of the passages therein.

27. A conduit connecting box structure, comprising side and bottom walls, partition memberswithin the structure defining upper.

and 4lower parallel passages through theI structure the upper passages extending transverse -tothe lower passages,the upper passageshaving'open tops, openings in the opposite side walls alording access to each ofthe passages, and a cover member formingl the topoi the upper passages, this cover member i having an opening throu h which access isv yhad-to the interior of the ox structure.

28. lconduit connecting. box structure,l comprisingbottom and side walls, openings arranged in oppositely disposed pairs 1n the side walls, partition members withinthe structure defining parallel passages connect-y ing pairs of opposite openings, the passages .being arranged in transversely vextending groups,.the groups lying in dilierent levels and means 4at the openings for receiving and supporting the ends of conduitsl in comniuni-- level',- with the upper passagesopen at thev top,`ni eans in the sidewalls of the structure for' receiving and supportingthe en'dsof conduits, each conduit being in communication with fa passage through an opening, and

" a cover structure for closing the tops of the said spaced flanges for adjusting the level ofupper passages, certain of the transversely extending passages being in communication with eachother within the structure.

30. In a connecting box for wiring ducts,- a cover member for the body of the box-having anfopening defined by-spaced 4flan es,a"

removable cover having a peripheral ange adapted to be received between said spaced anges, and means carried bysaid periph'- eral flange and entering the space between the cover top.

31. Ina connectin box for wiring ducts, a cover member for t e -body of the box having anfopening defined by spaced flanges, a removable cover havin aperipheral iiange adaptedto be received etween said spaced iianges, and a l'plurality of4 members mounted for adjustment in the edge of said depending vcation -throu l sages, whereby conductors in a pair of conf ber etween said spaced fianges.

. 32. .In a connecting box for wiring ducts, a .cover member vfor the body of the box having an opening definedv by spaced flanges, a.

removable cover having a' peripheral iiange adapted to be received between said spaced flanges, and a plurality` of bosses ,on .said

peripheral iiange adapted to be received in` recesses in saidspaced yiianges to hold said cover against movement in the plane of the top thereof.

'.33. A lconnect-ing box comprising a body having openings in its wa1ls,1the body ha'ving atleast eight openings dis osed in pairs with the openings of each pair ying in align- .ment across the box with openings of another pair, partition walls Within` the box defining pairs of enclosed passages extending across the box, each passage connecting one opening with its aligned opening, the passages of one pair crossing-the passages of the other pair in different. levels, and means in tlie walls for supporting the ends of conduits in communi- Uh a pair of openings with pasduits leadingl to a pair of adjacent openings in Vthe body Wall may pass in separate passages acrossthe box and extend into conduits leading to 'the opposed openings these conductors also being kept separatewithin the box from conductors in :the passages which they cross. Y

34., A 'connecting boxcomprising a body havingopenings in its walls, thel body'liaving at least eight openings disposed in pairs with the openings olf4 each pair lying in alignment across the box with openings ofanother pair, partition VwallsV within the box defining a luralityl ofenclosed passages, eachopening in the wall being'connected by one of said passages to its opposed opening, thepassages lying in parallel. pairs with the passages of one pair. crossing those of theA other pair in ,different levels, means in the walls for support-ing the ends of conduits in communica- `tion throughy a pair of openings with passages, and means in the partitions through whichaccess'v iiiay be had between a passage extending lin one direction and Va passage extendingin the other direction.

35; connectingrb'ox comprising Va.

having openings in its walls, they body having at leastfeiglit openings disposed in pairs ',-with theV openings of eachA air -lying in i openings of. another pair, partition walls within the box alignment across the box wit vdefining a plurality of enclosed passageaeach opening in the wall being connecte by one of said passages to its o posed'opening, the

4passages lying in par lel pairs with the l passages of one pair crossing those of the other air in different levels, means in the walls orsupporting the ends of conduitsin communication through a pair of openings an e and adapted to rest on sai-ducoverm'emf p with passages, and a removable cover on the body through which access may be had to the v passages.

36. A connecting box comprising abody hav- 5 ingopeningsin its Walls disposed in groups, the openings in each side of the box being aligned with similar openings across the box, vertical and horizontal partition walls Within the box defining groups of separate passages extending across the box in upper and loWerlevels, each passage connecting pairs of aligned openings at opposite sides of the box and the box being adapted to have the ends of conduits connected thereto at'the openings, whereby conductors in a conduit may be led into the box through. an opening, across` the box in a passage and into an aligned conduit through an opening aligned With the first opening, and an openinor in the horizontal partition Wall defining the bottom of each passage in i the upper level through which access may be had to a passage in the lower level.

37. A connecting box 'con'1prisin, f a body having a flat bottom Wall of substantial area and having openings in its sidewalls disposed in groups, each opening being aligned with a similar opening across the box, partition Walls defining passages extending across the box, each passageconnecting an opening to its opposed opening, these passages extending in two directions across the box at an angle to each other in different levels, the bottom Wall of the box defining the bottoms of certain of the passages, a top Wall on the body defining the to s of certain other passages, and a remova le cover normally supported on the top wall to close an opening through which access may be had to passages, the tops of which are defined by said top wall.

38. A connecting box comprising a body having a fiat bottom wall of substantial area and having openings in its side walls disposed .movable cover normallysupported on the top wall to close an opening through which access may be had to passages, the tops of which are defined by said top Wall, portions of said partition vvalls in each of said passsages being cut avvay to afford #access Vthrough said cover opening to passages not otherwise accessible through said openings.

39. An electrical Wiring system for installation in floors which comprises a network of at least double runs of ducts extending in diiierent directions and embedded a substantial distance beneath the surface of the floor, pairs of ducts intersecting other pairs substantially at right angles, and boxesat the intersections, each box having at least ltwo pairs of passages extendinf across the box and crossing at different levels, each duct leading to the box being in communication through a passage in the box with an aligned duct, whereby a conductor in a duct may be led through the box to the aligned duct While kept separate from conductors in parallel and transversely extending ducts.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature.

EDWARD E. ASHLEY, JR. 

